Twenty-one students of several depressed communities in Portland, who are among the top performers in the 2018 Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT), have received grants from the D.I.B. Student of Excellence Grant Foundation.

Last Tuesday, the beneficiaries, who were also listed among the top 1,000 GSAT achievers islandwide, each received $25,000 to assist with the purchasing of books, uniforms, and school fees, among other things.

Chief Executive Officer of D.I.B. Student of Excellence Grant Foundation, Colin Bell Jr, said the foundation aims to provide annual financial assistance to needy students who perform well in the Primary Exit Profile (PEP).

"I have to thank my father and mother, who is the creator of this foundation," said Bell.

He added: "These 21 students were selected from east and west Portland and they are the best performers in the 2018 GSAT. This foundation recognises that education is the only vehicle that can alleviate poverty. Education is the key to success, and I urge you all to make the best use of your educational opportunities. Next year, we plan to select from among this group, the top 10 performing students in high school."

According to Bell, of the 21 students who have benefited from this year's grant, 10 can qualify for additional benefits up to college/university. He said students are expected to continue to perform at the highest standard in high school in order to further benefit from the programme.

The foundation, which had its inception last year, also recognised the effort of Rohan Brown, a visually impaired detective sergeant who spearheaded the selection process by communicating directly with the school administrators to ensure that the 'crËme de la crËme' were selected.